Arsenal’s January transfer window was underwhelming to say the least, but aside from the disappointment of no new arrivals, they’ve taken a massive gamble.
Indeed, the London club’s failure to sign a new striker has left them incredibly light in the centre-forward position.
Alexandre Lacazette is the club’s only recognised senior number nine. Yes, Arsenal also have Eddie Nketiah who can play there, but he’s severely lacking in Premier League experience, while Gabriel Martinelli also isn’t a number nine these days.
Lacazette, all of a sudden, is one of Arsenal’s most important players, and Arsenal’s top-four hopes largely rest on his shoulders.
We’re not saying that the Frenchman will fire the Gunners into the top-four, but if he gets injured, their chances of making next season’s Champions League will take a serious hit.
Lacazette may have what it takes to lead the line as Arsenal chase down a place in the top-four. After all, the Gunners fell just one-point short in 2016/17 when the Frenchman was their first-choice number nine.
While Lacazette may have what it takes, it’s hard to say the same about Nketiah or Martinelli. The two young players may have a lot of potential, but when the pressure is on, it remains to be seen whether or not they can rise to the challenge.
Simply put, Lacazette is now likely to be one of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s teamsheet, and Arsenal don’t have a readymade replacement for the ‘brilliant’ striker.
Lacazette isn’t Arsenal’s best player by any stretch of the imagination. The likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have been performing to a higher standard this season, but with Nicolas Pepe and Martinelli waiting in the wings as replacements, any injuries two either of those two could be catered for.
Sadly, the same can’t really be said about Lacazette, and if he goes down injured, Arsenal’s top four hopes could go down the pan.
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